- -
languages
time zone
currency
flight duration
High temp
languages
time zone
currency
flight duration
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and is very much considered to be an intriguing, unique and exciting place to visit. Covered by Indonesia to the south, Malaysia to the north and the tiny Kingdom of Brunei to the north west, it’s cultural diversity is immense. Most international tourists tend to visit Malaysian Borneo as this part of the island is more accessible, benefits from some amazing beaches in the south China Sea and is of course synonymous with the famous Wildmen of Borneo – the orangutans!
Whether you’re looking for an adventure holiday, a culturally diverse experience or a wonderful beach holiday, you can get it all in Borneo. Malaysian Borneo is split into 2 states – Sarawak to the south and Sabah to the north. Whilst some tours will span this entire region, most visitors to this island will travel to Sabah to stay close to the city of Kota Kinabalu with it’s amazing beaches, National Park, Mount Kinabalu and of course its proximity to some of the wild populations of orangutans. The latter is often the main reason for anyone’s visit to Borneo and can be in the form of a visit to one of the orangutan orphanages such as the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre or a tour to the northern point of Sabah to the Danum Valley where these magnificent creatures can be found in their natural and undisturbed habitat. It really is a once if a lifetime experience.
Although this part of Borneo is officially Malaysian, there are also many cultural differences here compared to the mainland and it is important to experience these during your trip. Whether it’s visiting a local family for an overnight homestay, tasting the wonderful local seafood cuisine, enjoying a tour of the stilt villages or taking a ride on the Borneo railway, there really is plenty to do and see which will enrich your stay.
Peaking at 13,000ft, the magnificent Mount Kinabalu is located in the famous National Park with the same name and is a sacred mountain towering over the city of Kota Kinabalu. Climbing this mountain is often quite high on most visitors ‘to do’ lists when visiting Borneo, but please remember that whilst there are many routes and treks up to the summit, you will need to overnight on the mountain. You will, however, be rewarded with glorious views on your decent the following morning!
Ziplining is pretty exhilarating at the best of times, but if you’re looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush try the Coral Flyer which whizzes you over the ocean between the beautiful Gaya Island and the nearby Sapi Island. There is also a zipline within the forests if you’re not quite brave enough to zip over the water – either way you won’t be disappointed. Book early though as it can get busy during peak months of travel!
Whether it’s visiting the intriguing orangutans at an orphanage or a sanctuary or experiencing them in the wild, this is one of the experiences that you simply cannot miss during your stay in Borneo. One of the best places to experience these magnificent creatures is at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans and to prepare them for a voluntary life in the wild, this is one of THE best places to see these gentle and fun creatures without venturing too far into the rainforest.
Now this could potentially apply to nearly all of the destinations in southeast Asia, however, if you’re going to take the plunge, spend the time, money and effort taking a Padi dive course, then you must do it in a spectacular place – and it doesn’t get much better than off the west coast of Borneo at Kota Kinabalu’s Marine Park ‘Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’. Diving enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either as there are an abundance of dive sites close to Kota Kinabalu teaming with coral and marine life as well as a wreck to explore.
BEST OF THE
Planning a holiday is always an exciting time, but knowing where to start can often cause confusion.
-
-
currentUser
object value:null
We take your privacy seriously. By providing your details, you agree that Teletext holidays may contact you with relevant offers and services by email and SMS.
Keep an eye out for our fantastic deals and offers coming to an inbox near you!
Truly Travel Ltd had their Travel Trust Association membership closed on 29th October 2021 and are no longer taking new bookings. All existing Truly Travel bookings have been re-contracted with TTA Travel (ATOL Licence T7173) and existing holiday bookings will be fulfilled as planned. For any questions, please visit the TTA Travel website.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office along with security and local laws, passport and visa information click www.gov.uk/travelaware and
follow @FCDOtravelGovUK
and https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
and Facebook.com/FCDOTravel
For more information please see www.teletextholidays.co.uk/help
Keep up to date with current travel health news by visiting www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Please note the advice can change so check regularly for updates.
Truly Travel Ltd had their Travel Trust Association membership closed on 29th October 2021 and are no longer taking new bookings. All existing Truly Travel bookings have been re-contracted with TTA Travel (ATOL Licence T7173) and existing holiday bookings will be fulfilled as planned. For any questions, please visit the TTA Travel website.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office along with security and local laws, passport and visa information click www.gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and Facebook.com/FCDOTravel
For more information please see www.teletextholidays.co.uk/help
Keep up to date with current travel health news by visiting www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Please note the advice can change so check regularly for updates.
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our site. If you continue to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more.